Fruitland man arrested for "stomping" man's face

FARMINGTON — A man was arrested for allegedly "stomping" on a man's face during a fight over a makeshift campsite near the Bisti Highway.

Norman Simms, a 50-year-old Fruitland man, was arrested Wednesday night after police were called to an altercation between Simms and Jeffrey Gleason.

San Juan County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to an area south of the Mustang gas station, 1020 U.S. 371, also called the Bisti Highway.

Witnesses said the two got in an argument over an unofficial campsite in the area and started to fight, said Sheriff's office Detective Justin Rieker. Simms allegedly got Gleason to the ground and started to stomp on his head, according to a sheriff's office news release.

While stomping on his head, Simms allegedly threatened to kill Gleason.

Rieker said Simms had blood on him when he was found. He was arrested and charged with aggravated battery.

Gleason was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center to be treated for injuries to his head and face.

Kathryn Pettijohn, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said Gleason was in serious condition the day after the attack.